Užupis
Vilnius, Lithuania
A bohemian enclave across the Vilnia river that declared itself an independent republic in 1997, complete with constitution and angel statue. The city's a…
Places in Užupis
- Sweet Root A celebrated farm-to-table room in Užupis where the tasting menu follows the Lithuanian seasons with real conviction. Thoughtful and beautiful.
- Užupio Kavinė The riverside café at the heart of the bohemian republic, with a terrace over the Vilnia. The place to feel Užupis's easy spirit.
- Špunka A cosy Užupis bar and bottle shop for Lithuanian craft beer and easy conversation. The bohemian quarter's living room.
Practical notes for Vilnius
- Best time to visit
- May to September for warm, leafy days and terrace life; the old town is loveliest in early autumn light. December brings a fine Christmas market; winters are cold and atmospheric.
- Getting around
- The old town and centre are compact and walkable, and the whole city is unusually green. Buses cover the rest; ride-hailing is cheap. Trakai Castle is a half-hour trip for a classic day out.
- Currency
- Euro (€)
- Language
- Lithuanian. English and Russian are widely spoken.
- Timezone
- EET (UTC+2, UTC+3 in summer)
- Current trends
- A confident modern-Lithuanian dining movement; a booming specialty-coffee and craft-beer culture; the creative energy of Užupis and the Paupys district; and a design-forward hotel scene arriving.
Other neighborhoods in Vilnius
- Old Town (Senamiestis) — One of Europe's largest baroque old towns, a UNESCO maze of churches, courtyards and cobbles below Gediminas Hill. The heart of the city.
- Naujamiestis (New Town) — The lively district around Gediminas Avenue and the station, home to design hotels, the Loftas creative hub and a growing dining scene. Where modern Vilnius is happening.
- Paupys — A stylish new riverside quarter beside Užupis, with a market hall, cafés and contemporary architecture. The city's freshest neighbourhood.
- Žvėrynas — A leafy residential district of wooden villas across the Neris, quiet and elegant. A gentle counterpoint to the old town.
Read the full Vilnius guide